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Wilderness

Walkabout

Program at Camp Eagle

Nine months. Focused discipleship. Eternal change.

Ideal for: Students & Young Adults   |   Ages: 18 – 24   |   Dates: 5 & 9 month sessions

Experience Walkabout at Camp Eagle

A transformative 9-month program conducted entirely at Camp Eagle, our beautiful Texas hill country campus, that enables high school graduates to step out of the norm, live life with a sharper vision for the Kingdom, and gain a unique outlook on Christian life.

ADVENTURE

Nine wilderness expeditions punctuate the year, providing a foundation for learning and application through epic hiking, scenic environments and thrilling multi-sport adventure. A key part of the Walkabout experience, life lessons become memories and a foundation for Christ-like change. Past expeditions have included:

  • Backpacking in the Guadalupe Mountains
  • Backpacking, mountain biking and kayaking in Big Bend National Park
  • Kayaking 60 Miles of the Lower Pecos River
  • Worldview Trip to Austin, TX
  • Rock Climbing at Enchanted Rock and Cochise Stronghold
  • Canyoneering in Central Utah

Study

Walkabout students spend class time learning how to faithfully read and interpret the Bible. With a strong foundation in scripture, students move toward critical study of theology to contemplate their own beliefs. Finally, students move through a survey of diverse world views relevant to our world today.

College Credit

Colorado Christian University offers Walkabout graduates up to nine hours of college credit at the school of their choice. Students who attend Colorado Christian University after Walkabout earn up to 15 hours.

Service

Camp Eagle retreats could not operate without the help of our Walkabout students who work alongside full-time staff to serve guests during the non-summer months. Service includes running activities like rock climbing, zip lining and rappelling, preparing accommodations, and making and cleaning meals. Aside from being a valuable asset, service allows students to experience what camp ministry is really like. It’s an opportunity for the students to bond with our staff, grow, and put what they have learned into practice.

Rest

To rest when we are weary is not idleness. And relaxing under the trees, listening to the murmur of the water or watching the clouds float across the sky after a hard week of work, play and study, is by no means a waste of time. It is necessary for us to refresh ourselves, our bodies and our minds for the experiences and adventures that lie ahead. We provide one rest day each week, and allow time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Experience a different view of the real world…

The Walkabout program is intentionally designed to put the world in the perspective of a disciple. It’s a challenging commitment that inspires courage for the future as a follower of Christ.

Walkabout could change the course of your life forever. Are you ready?

A Worthy Commitment

Some of us are called to journey through the wilderness. To satisfy a burning need to be somewhere else. To search for that place just over the horizon. You can’t quite touch it but you know it’s there. And when you find it – if you find it – it changes you profoundly.

Separate yourself from old habits and routines like television, electronic devices and other distractions. Because when we leave behind so-called “necessities”, we find a deeper, eternal wisdom. Learn the value of commitment, have daily conversations with God, interact with community and serve others in love. It’s time to go into the world and seek things for yourself.

For more information download the Walkabout Handbook.

The Program

Every part of the Gap Year Program is about discipleship and teaching students how to be disciples for the rest of their lives. The program is intentionally designed with individual components coming together to form a cohesive 9-month discipleship experience.

The program includes 4 major focuses:

25% Adventure   •   20% Study   •   40% Service   •   15% Rest

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Adventure

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Study

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Service

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Rest

AUG – OCT

NOV – MAR

MAR – MAY

Mission. Values. Goals.

The Bible

Walkabout values the careful study of the Bible in order to gain knowledge of the Truth and to cultivate a life of obedience to God. The Bible is sufficient and trustworthy to faithfully guide every aspect of the lives of God’s people.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Community

We value community, characterized by love and service toward others. This is based on the great commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. Building a genuine community is not easy, but the love that builds it is something worth actively pursuing.

 

Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37-40

Adventure

Walkabout values unique experiences as a teaching tool. One of the greatest resources we have from God is His natural creation, which we see on a regular basis both on the main campus and during our trips. We believe that God is especially visible in creation and we strive to focus on wilderness in this way.

Service

We value faithful, dedicated work and sacrificial service toward others using a servant leadership model.

 

John 13:1-17

Christ-Like Change

Because of the emphasis Camp Eagle places on modeling and teaching students how to imitate the behavior of Jesus Christ, Walkabout graduates leave with a new perspective on thinking and living. Christ-like change is a goal for every student in Walkabout.

 

Romans 8:28-29; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philemon 2:5; 1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 12:1-3

Identity Formation

Walkabout graduates have a deeper grasp of their identities in Christ, a greater understanding of their unique abilities and personalities, and a clarification of vocational and educational pursuits in alignment with God’s purpose.

Expansion of Worldview

Graduates of Walkabout have a greater understanding and heart for the poor, forgotten, and neglected. In addition, students will have a greater knowledge of other worldviews, religions, and cultures.

Understanding of Basic Christian Theology

Learning to express and defend Biblical teaching is paramount to the Walkabout experience. Graduates gain knowledge and experience in using tools to help in the careful interpretation and application of the Bible.

Life Skills

Classes are held throughout the year to help teach students basic life skills. These classes change from year to year, but usually include resume building, basic auto maintenance and budgeting.

Emily’s Story

"You are poured into by countless individuals that deeply desire to see personal and spiritual growth." - WA 2016-2017

Emily’s Story

"You learn things such as the importance of service and solitude. You learn to cherish those around you as well as those at home. In some ways you are stretched out of your comfort zone, which allows you to learn more about yourself, more about what you want your...

Emily’s Story

"The program is based on the idea of intentional discipleship, learning what it means to make your faith your own and use it as a tool to spread the Gospel to those around you. You are given the opportunity to form friendships completely centered on Christ." -WA...

Emily’s Story

"I could go on forever about all of the good things Walkabout did for me, but I will just say one more thing. This program is for people in all walks of life. Whether you are just out of high school, haven't been to college, have been to college, were raised in the...

McKenna’s Story

"Being on trail also puts things in perspective. People stop caring about appearance very quickly. There’s a certain shift of awareness that exposes what really matters. I love that." - WA 2017-2018

McKenna’s Story

"There’s something about waking up to early rays of sunlight on the skin and hearing the rustle of the wilderness begin another day that is just so good for the soul...To be so very present in the moment was not something we were used to but it allowed us to see God...

McKenna’s Story

"The year was simply all about examining ourselves and Jesus and how those things go together." - WA 2017-2018

McKenna’s Story

"Camp showed me that God uses those that are just willing to work. He shines brighter when we are willing to do the background work without caring who sees. It’s bigger than us." - WA 2017-2018

Kyle’s Story

"I was still making decisions about what college to attend and what to study while I was in Walkabout. It gave me more time to think and figure out what I wanted to study. I love the university I'm at now and I even received a higher scholarship because I took a Gap...

McKenna’s Story

"It was a place I found a tangible faith. I was able to find the strength to utter the words “I forgive because I am forgiven” out loud, in the space of starry skies and rolling hills. My heart started to heal." - WA 2017-2018

Kyle’s Story

"It's been three years since I was a Walkabout and I still keep in touch with my cabin mates. They're some of the best friends I've ever had." - WA 2015-2016

McKenna’s Story

"I found family there that I never really had before. When I came as a camper, I discovered a peace there that calmed a relentless storm of doubt and heartbreak inside of me. I think it had to do with the fact that I was able to finally breathe, away from so much...

Kyle’s Story

"Walkabout taught me how important it is to disconnect from a materialistic society to seek both truth and your true self within the wilderness"

Lucas’ Story

"Walkabout taught me how important it is to disconnect from a materialistic society to seek both truth and your true self within the wilderness." - WA 2015-2016

Kel’s Story

"Walkabout taught me the truth of what gospel living should look like. Through service, study, and community I learned that the greatest call on our life is "Simple Obedience" to "Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.. and to love your neighbor as...

Amber’s Story

My grandparents were crying because they have waited a long time to see God work incredibly in my life like He has here recently. - WA 2010-2011  

Amber’s Story

I've never had anything in my life unfold so beautifully and it is just completely incredible to me to feel that I am doing what God wants me to do with my life. - WA 2010-2011  
Asset 7

Everything You Need to Know +

Everything You Need to Know –

Climate & Conditions

Competitor magazine declared Camp Eagle “Texas’ best adventure destination.” It’s no surprise with 1,400 acres of rugged Hill Country along with natural caves, a quarter mile of 150′ limestone cliffs, and 1.5 miles of the crystal clear Nueces River.

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Physical Demands

Wilderness adventures may require physical stamina and conditioning beyond what you are used to. Here are some tips on what to expect and how to condition your mind and body so you have an awesome experience.

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What to Bring

This is not your average camping trip and so the packing list is a bit different than our regular overnight camp. Pack thorough, but light, as you’ll be carrying these essential things with you as you hike.

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What not to Bring

Not to be a downer, but this is wilderness camp, baby! Off the grid. Enjoy it. Here’s your list of items to leave at home. Yep, cell phones are on it. You’ll have no use for them anyway.

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Participation Waivers

Our goal is to make camp as safe as possible. But adventure activities have inherent risks. Please review and acknowledge with your signature.

AdultsMinors

Getting To Camp

Camp Eagle is located at 6424 Hackberry Rd, Rocksprings, TX 78880. For directions click the "MAP" button below.

Map

Arrival & Departure

Upon acceptance into the Walkabout Program, students will be given detailed arrival and departure instructions. For more information, please contact us.

Email

Health and Safety

The spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of every camper is our top priority. We’re here to fulfill all their safety and nutritional needs.

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Email, Mail & Packages

Campers LOVE to get mail! You can leave it with us when you drop off your camper. Or mail it, but just remember to send it a week ahead.

Payment Policies

Payments for Walkabout Program can be handled in a number of ways. Review our options and policies BEFORE registering for camp.

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Code of Conduct

We’re here to have fun, build each other up and encourage others in love! But there are a few behaviors that just won’t fly at Wilderness Walkabout.

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In Case of Emergency

We want kids to establish their independence. But if there’s a home emergency, contact the camp Director and we’ll arrange a call.

Staff

Enthusiastic. Energetic. Inspiring. And SUPER Fun.

Our staff is made up of a bunch of really fun, friendly people who are also super serious about providing you with the best camp experience ever. Each day they demonstrate their passion for serving Jesus Christ through leading by example and with a cheerful demeanor.

Our staff members are recruited based on their:

Personality & Ability

Passion for Teaching

Servant's Heart

Relationship With Christ

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Training

Dates & Rates

Walkabout ProgramLengthDatesRatesStatusRegister
Walkabout 2019-2020 (Camp Eagle - Texas)9 MonthAug 17, 2019 - May 23, 2020$10,800OPENAPPLY

For any questions regarding Walkabout Program or registration please contact:

Hayley Prine: Email | 830-683-3532

Payment Policy

  • Walkabout fees include all meals, lodging, trips, education, staff shirts, a Red Cross lifeguard/CPR certification, and all program related expenses
  • A payment plan is available as follows:
    • $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance into the program
    • $9,800 in total is due upon arrival.
  • ALL PAYMENTS MADE ARE NON-REFUNDABLE for reservations abandoned with no advance notice.
  • Reservations canceled with advance notice will still require partial payment based on the schedule shown below:
    • 2 Months Prior – 50% Cancellation Fee
    • 1 Months Prior – 60% Cancellation Fee
    • 3 Weeks Prior – 70% Cancellation Fee
    • 1 Week Prior – 90% Cancellation Fee

If you have questions please contact hayley.prine@campeagle.org

Wilderness Partner Camps

Exciting Adventure Sessions at Camp Eagle - Operated by Other Outstanding Christian Organizations

Base Camp Features

Some of the things that make Camp Eagle such a very special place.

Support Us

Four ways you can help